(Updated) Osun Workers Suspends Strike

Workers in the state of Osun under the aegis of Joint Negotiation Council have suspended their industrial action embarked upon last Wednesday.

The suspension came after the labour unions and the state government entered into Memorandum of Understanding after mutual agreement on the demands of the workers.

Addressing the press after the signing of the agreement, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Comrade Jacob Adekomi said the government has approved the payment of full salary for the month of December, 2017 to workers and pensions, all from the last N6.3bn Paris Club refund received by the government.

According to Adekomi, payment of full salaries and pension will hopefully commence by the second quarter of 2018.

He added that modalities for subsequent payment of salaries and pensions between January 2018 and second quarter of the year would be addressed by the standing committee on apportionment, payment of salaries and critical expenses

The government, according to Adekomi, has also approved the release of N1bn for bond certificate of public servants who retired on Contributory Pension Scheme.

In effect, Aregbesola government will be committing N5.8billion to payment of workers emoluments representing a total of 91% of total receipt from the third tranche of the Paris Club Refund.

Also, the government has lifted embargo placed on promotions based on nominal condition, confirmation of appointments, advancement, transfer, inter-cadre conversions and yearly increment.

Adekomi commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for acceding to the workers’ requests in the face of the financial difficulties, just as he called on workers in the state to resume work after new year celebration.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola lauded the workers for their sacrifice, understanding and perseverance, saying that the workers have been supportive.

Oyetola who stated that Aregbesola Aregbesola was unhappy with the payment of modulated salary to the workers, said the governor was very committed to the welfare of the workers.